Southern highbush blueberry plant named ‘TH-921’

ABSTRACT

The new variety ‘TH-921’ is provided. The new and distinct variety ripens around early May in southern Georgia and late May in middle Georgia. The fruit of the new variety ‘TH-921’ are firm with good flavor and scar. The new variety ‘TH-921’ is vigorous with an estimated chilling requirement of about 500 to 550 hours at or below approximately 7° C. The asexually reproduced variety is reliably propagated vegetatively.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY-SPONSORED RESEARCH

This invention was made, in part, with U.S. Government support on behalf of U.S. Department of Agriculture, Hatch Act Grant No. GEO 01663. The U.S. Government has certain rights in this invention.

Latin name of the genus and species of the plant claimed: ‘TH-921’ is a southern highbush blueberry plant that is a Vaccinium corymbosum.

Variety denomination: The new southern highbush blueberry plant claimed is of the variety denominated ‘TH-921’.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the discovery of a new and distinct cultivar of southern highbush blueberry plant botanically known as a Vaccinium corymbosum and herein referred to as ‘TH-921’, as herein described and illustrated.

The new blueberry plant variety ‘TH-921’ was selected in Griffin, Ga., in 2005. The new variety ‘TH-921’ ripens around early May in southern Georgia and late May in middle Georgia. The fruit of the new variety ‘TH-921’ have excellent firmness, scar and flavor. The new variety ‘TH-921’ has good yield and plant vigor, with an estimated chilling requirement of about 500-550 hours at or below 7° C.

Pedigree and history: ‘TH-921’ was selected in 2005 at the Georgia Experiment Station in Griffin, Ga., originating from a cross of ‘TH-647’ X ‘Windsor’ made by Dr. D. Scott NeSmith in 2002. The maternal parent (‘TH-647’) is a non-patented UGA breeding line derived from a cross of ‘Reveille’ (not patented) X ‘Palmetto’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 16,756). The paternal parent, ‘Windsor’, is the subject of U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,783. The selection has been tested in asexually propagated (by vegetative cuttings) plantings at UGA Blueberry Research Farms in Alapaha and Griffin, Ga. since 2007.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The new blueberry plant variety ‘TH-921’ has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype may vary somewhat with variations in environment and cultural practices such as temperature and light intensity without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed in asexually propagated plants of the new cultivar ‘TH-921’ growing in Alapaha and Griffin, Ga., and are determined to be unique firmly fixed characteristics of the new blueberry plant variety ‘TH-921’:

-   -   1. Excellent fruit firmness;     -   2. Excellent berry flavor;     -   3. Favorable scar.

The new variety ‘TH-921’ can be compared to the southern highbush blueberry variety ‘Star’ (the subject of U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,675).

Comparison: The selection flowers five to seven days later than ‘Star’, but displays a shorter fruit development period, ripening with ‘Star’ in the early Georgia southern highbush season. ‘TH-921’ has firm berries with good flavor and scar as compared to standards ‘Star’ and ‘Camellia’ in Alapaha and Griffin, Ga. over a 5-year period (Tables 1 and 2). Table 3 describes yield and berry weight, firmness, and Brix for ‘TH-921’ as compared to the ‘Star’ and ‘Camellia’ (the subject of U.S. Plant Pat. No. 18,151) southern highbush blueberry cultivars, for the years 2010-2013. ‘TH-921’ had greater Brix than both cultivar standards ‘Star’ and ‘Camellia’, had a greater firmness than ‘Camellia’ and comparable berry firmness to ‘Star’. ‘TH-921’ is more vigorous than ‘Star’ with comparable or greater yields. Major attractions of ‘TH-921’ are high fruit quality, shorter fruit development period, and the ability to replace ‘Star’ in producing high quality fruit during the early southern Georgia highbush season. Preliminary studies suggest that ‘TH-921’ has good storage quality and can be used as fresh fruit for shipping.

TABLE 1 5-year average ratings of some fruit and plant characteristics of ‘TH-921’ and southern highbush standard cultivars ‘Star’ and ‘Camellia’ from 2009-2013 in field test plots at Alapaha, GA. Rating scales are based on a 1 to 10 score, with 1 being the least desirable and 10 being the most desirable. A value of 6-7 is generally considered to be the minimum acceptable rating or a commercial cultivar. These plants were established in Fall 2007. Berry and plant Alapaha location attributes^(1/) ‘Star’ ‘Camellia’ ‘TH-921’ Berry size 7.6 ± 0.2 8.9 ± 0.2 7.4 ± 0.3 Berry scar 7.0 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.2 7.9 1 0.3 Berry color 7.1 ± 0.1 8.7 ± 0.2 7.6 ± 0.1 Berry firmness 7.2 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.1 7.6 ± 0.1 Berry flavor 7.0 ± 0.1 7.8 ± 0.1 7.9 ± 0.3 Cropping 4.7 ± 1.7 5.4 ± 0.3 5.9 ± 1.4 Plant vigor 6.3 ± 0.2 9.8 ± 0.2 8.4 ± 0.5 Date of 50% flowering March 3 March 11 March 8 Date of 50% ripening May 8 May 15 May 8 Fruit development 66.3 ± 6.1  65.3 ± 4.9  61.0 ± 6.5  period (days) ^(1/)Values are means ± the standard error with n = 5.

TABLE 2 5-year average ratings of some fruit and plant characteristics of ‘TH-921’ and southern highbush standard cultivars ‘Star’ and‘Camellia’ (2009-2013) in field test plots at Griffin, GA. Rating scales are based on a 1 to 10 score, with 1 being the least desirable and 10 being the most desirable. A value of 6-7 is generally considered to be the minimum acceptable rating for a commercial cultivar. These plants were established in Fall 2007. Berry and plant Griffin location attributes¹ ‘Star’ ‘Camellia’ ‘TH-921’ Berry size 7.4 ± 0.2 8.6 ± 0.2 7.8 ± 0.3 Berry scar 6.9 ± 0.1 7.0 ± 0.1 7.5 ± 0.1 Berry color 7.1 ± 0.1 7.9 ± 0.2 7.8 ± 0.2 Berry firmness 7.2 ± 0.1 7.2 ± 0.1 7.4 ± 0.3 Berry flavor 7.1 ± 0.1 7.4 ± 0.2 7.9 ± 0.2 Cropping 6.8 ± 1.1 7.9 ± 0.2 6.6 ± 0.5 Plant vigor 8.5 ± 0.3 9.8 ± 0.1 8.7 ± 0.3 Date of 50% flowering March 13 March 25 March 21 Date of 50% ripening May 25 May 31 May 26 Fruit development 73.3 ± 10.4 67.3 ± 4.8  66.0 ± 4.8  period (days) ^(1/)Values are means ± the standard error with n = 5.

TABLE 3 Yield and berry weight, firmness, and Brix for ‘Star’ and ‘Camellia’ cultivars and ‘TH-921’ grown in Griffin, GA during 2010-2013. Year ‘Star’ ‘Camellia’ ‘TH-921’ Yield (lbs/bush)^(1/) 2011 12.7 ± 3.6  9.7 ± 0.9 10.4 ± 0.7 2012 11.7 ± 2.3 10.5 ± 0.8  9.1 ± 1.0 2013  3.9 ± 0.6 15.9 ± 1.0 14.3 ± 2.4 Avg 9.4 12.0 11.3 Berry wt. (g/berry)^(2/) 2010 1.53 ± 0.09 2.94 ± 0.12 2.07 ± 0.09 2011 1.20 ± 0.04 1.97 ± 0.11 1.47 ± 0.04 2012 1.80 ± 0.07 1.60 ± 0.09 1.75 ± 0.06 2013 1.79 ± 0.06 2.56 ± 0.10 2.00 ± 0.04 Avg 1.58 2.28 1.82 Firmness (g/mm)^(2/) 2010 196 ± 4 150 ± 2 208 ± 2 2011 206 ± 6 166 ± 3 190 ± 2 2012 190 ± 5 164 ± 4 182 ± 4 2013 191 ± 5 150 ± 2 208 ± 3 Avg 196 157 197 Brix (%)^(3/) 2012 13.9 ± 0.6 14.5 ± 0.4 15.3 ± 0.9 2013 13.5 ± 0.5 13.3 ± 0.3 14.0 ± 1.2 Avg 13.7 13.9 14.7 ^(1/)Values are means ± the standard error with n = 3. ^(2/)Values are means ± the standard error with n = 3 (each sample derived from 25 berry avg). ^(3/)Values are means ± the standard error with n = 3 (each sample derived from 5 berry composite).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying photographic illustrations show typical specimens in full color of the foliage, flowering, and fruit of the new variety ‘TH-921’. The colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in a color representation of this type.

FIG. 1 is a photograph of the new variety ‘TH-921’ during flowering in Griffin, Ga.

FIG. 2 is a close up photograph of the new variety ‘TH-921’ during flowering in Griffin, Ga.

FIG. 3 is a photograph of new variety ‘TH-921’ during fruit ripening in Griffin, Ga.

FIG. 4 is a close up photograph of the new variety ‘TH-921’ fruit clusters.

FIG. 5 is a close up photograph of typical fruit of the new variety. ‘TH-921’.

BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

Throughout this specification, color names beginning with a small letter signify that the name of that color, as used in common speech, is aptly descriptive. Color names beginning with a capital letter designate values based upon The R.H.S. Colour Chart, 5^(th) edition published by The Royal Horticultural Society, London, England.

The following is a detailed description of the botanical and pomological characteristics of the new variety ‘TH-921’. Where dimensions, sizes, colors, and other characteristics are given, it is to be understood that such characteristics are approximations and averages set forth as accurately as practicable. The descriptions reported herein are largely from specimen plants grown in Alapaha and Griffin, Ga., with supplemental irrigation. Plants were about 3 to about 6 years old.

PLANT

-   -   -   Size.—1.3 to 1.6 m tall by about 4 years of age. Plants             grown under highly productive soil and fertility conditions             have exceeded 1.6 m tall in 4 years. The plant crown, or             base, is narrow, typically 10 to 20 cm in diameter. Upper             portion of plant canopy exceeds 1.1 to 1.3 m in diameter by             3 to 4 years.         -   Growth habit.—Semi-upright, with 1 to 3 main canes arising             from the crown, and multiple branching of shoots (2 to 3 per             cane) from those canes at 5 to 10 cm above the soil surface.         -   Growth.—Highly vigorous.         -   Productivity.—Very good crop and yield, averaging 10 to 15             lbs of fruit per plant each year for plants 4 years and             older grown under well fertilized and irrigated field             conditions.         -   Hardiness.—Similar to other southern highbush cultivars such             as ‘Star’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 10,675) and ‘Camellia’ (U.S.             Plant Pat. No. 18,151).         -   Chilling requirement.—500-550 hours of temperatures at or             below 7° C. (about 45° F.) to induce normal leafing and             flowering during the spring under conventional production             systems. The chill requirement is more than the male parent             ‘Windsor’ (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 12,783; 300 hours of chilling             required) but more similar to the female parent ‘TH-647’             (non-patented breeding selection; estimated 500-600 hours of             chilling required).         -   Leafing.—Plants tend to break sufficient leaf buds             simultaneously with, or shortly after, anthesis.         -   Canes.—Diameter: 30 to 50 mm for base of main canes that are             about 4 years old and older. 10 to 15 mm in about 2 year old             wood. 4 to 8 mm in current season wood. Color: Greyed-Green             RHS 197B for base of canes that are about 4 years old and             older. Yellow-Green RHS 145A transitioning to Greyed-Brown             RHS 199B in about 2 year old wood. Yellow-Green RHS 145B in             current season wood.         -   Fruiting wood.—Moderate number of twigs 10 to 15 cm in             length, with internode lengths of 15 to 20 mm common.         -   Disease resistance.—No exceptional disease resistance or             susceptibility observed; typical for southern highbush             ‘Star’ and ‘Camellia’ cultivars.

FOLIAGE

-   -   -   Leaf color.—Healthy mature leaves. Top side: Green RHS 137B             to N137A. Under side: Green RHS 138B to 138C.         -   Leaf arrangement.—Alternate, simple.         -   Leaf shape.—Elliptic.         -   Leaf surface.—Glaucous.         -   Leaf margins.—Nearly entire, smooth.         -   Leaf venation.—Pinnate with slight netting.         -   Leaf apices.—Broadly acuminate to broadly acute.         -   Leaf bases.—Cuneate to acute.         -   Leaf dimensions.—Length: 60.0 to 70.0 mm. Width: 25.0 to             30.0 mm.         -   Petioles.—Small. Length: 2.0 to 4.0 mm. Width: 1.5 to             2.0 mm. Color: Yellow-Green RHS 145A.

FLOWERS

-   -   -   Date of 50% anthesis.—March 8 in southern Georgia and March             21 in middle Georgia (5 year average).         -   Flower shape.—Urceolate.         -   Flower bud number.—High, averaging 5 to 8 buds per fruiting             shoot.         -   Flowers per cluster.—6 to 8 common.         -   Flower fragrance.—None.         -   Corolla.—Color: White RHS 155C to White NN155B (open             flower). Some Red Purple 63B corolla coloring often observed             under cooler weather prior to flower opening. Length: 8.5 to             10.0 mm. Width: 7.5 to 9.0 mm. Aperture width: 4.0 to 5.0             mm.         -   Flower peduncle.—Length: 8.0 to 10.0 mm. Color: Green RHS             139D.         -   Flower pedicle.—Length: 6.0 to 7.0 mm. Color: Green RHS             139D.         -   Calyx (with sepals).—Diameter: 8.5 to 9.0 mm. Color: Green             RHS 138B.         -   Stamen.—Length: 7.5 to 8.0 mm. Number per flower: 10.             Filament color: Yellow-Green RHS 145D.         -   Style.—Length: 9.0 to 10.0 mm. Color: Yellow-Green RHS 146D.         -   Pistil.—Length: 12.0 to 13.0 mm. Ovary color (exterior):             Green RHS 138C.         -   Anther.—Length: 4.5 to 5.0 mm. Number: 10. Color:             Greyed-Orange RHS 164A.         -   Pollen.—Abundance: Medium to high. Color: Yellow-White RHS             158A.         -   Self-compatibility.—The cultivar has a moderate degree of             self-compatibility.

FRUIT

-   -   -   Date of 50% maturity.—May 8 in southern Georgia and May 26             in middle Georgia (5 year average).         -   Fruit development period.—60 to 68 days.         -   Berry color.—With wax: Violet-Blue RHS 95D. With wax             removed: Black RHS 202A.         -   Berry surface wax abundance.—Medium to high.         -   Berry flesh color.—Green-White RHS 157B.         -   Berry weight.—First harvest: 1.6 g to 2.0 g. Second harvest:             1.4 g to 1.7 g.         -   Berry size.—Height from calyx to scar: 13.0 to 15.0 mm.             Diameter: 16.0 to 19.0 mm.         -   Berry shape.—Semi-spherical.         -   Fruit stem scar.—Small to medium, medium-dry, with little or             no tearing at harvest.         -   Calyx.—Depth 1.5 to 2.5 mm; width 5.0 to 6.0 mm; sepals             slightly showing and most often erect when present.         -   Berry firmness.—Good to very good firmness.         -   Berry flavor and texture.—Very good flavor; smooth texture.         -   Storage quality.—Good.         -   Suitability for mechanical harvesting.—Likely not suitable.         -   Uses.—Primarily to be used as fresh fruit for shipping.

SEED

-   -   -   Seed abundance in fruit.—Medium, with 10 to 20 fully             developed seeds per berry.         -   Seed color.—Greyed-Orange RHS 165B.         -   Seed dry weight.—46.0 mg per 100 seeds.         -   Seed size.—1.2 to 1.8 mm long; 0.4 to 0.6 mm wide for fully             developed seeds. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A new and distinct variety of southern highbush blueberry plant named ‘TH-921’, substantially as illustrated and described herein. 